Animals

Oneohtrix Point Never's song "Animals" delves into the complexities of human existence by juxtaposing primal instincts with modern life's artificial constructs. The lyrics open with a scene of observation, where the narrator and another person watch animals, symbolizing a return to nature and a simpler state of being. This act of observation is tinged with a sense of finality, as the narrator acknowledges that this might be the end of their relationship or a significant phase in their life. The heat mentioned in the lyrics could symbolize the pressures and stresses of life, which are not necessarily lethal but are certainly overwhelming.

The song then transitions into a contemplation of freedom and mortality. The line "We run from our death when we cum, are we really free?" suggests that even in moments of intense pleasure, humans are still bound by their mortality and existential fears. This duality of life and death, pleasure and pain, is a recurring theme in the song. The mention of primal rage and life in a cage further emphasizes the struggle between our basic instincts and the societal structures that confine us.

The latter part of the song shifts to a more metaphorical and surreal narrative. The imagery of a queen dying in her sleep and a king who must not weep reflects the stoicism and emotional suppression often required by societal roles. The dead phone battery symbolizes the disconnection and emptiness that can pervade modern life, despite constant connectivity. The final lines, "Kiss the sky, tear in your eye, it's nothing," encapsulate a sense of resignation and acceptance, suggesting that the narrator has come to terms with the inherent contradictions and struggles of existence.